Nashik, 17 Dec (HS): Nashik

Sessions Court has issued an arrest warrant against Maharashtra’s Minister for

Youth Welfare and Sports Manikrao Kokate, in 30 year old housing scandal. Nationalist

Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) leader Kokate had purchased prime apartments at

Nashik’s Canada Corner in 1995 under the Chief Minister’s quota (10%) using

fake documents. The apartments were purchased in his and his brother, Vijay

Kokate’s names.

Former minister Tukaram Dighole had lodged

a complaint against Kokate in 1997 with Sarkarwada Police Station. The

Additional Chief Magistrate had pronounced two years of jail in this case. The

Sessions Court has retained the punishment with a fine of Rs 10,000.

The final hearing was held on Wednesday.

Kokate’s lawyer has sought adjournment on the ground that Kokate has been

hospitalised. The Sessions Court, however, rejected his application and issued

arrest warrant against Kokate.

Kokate is expected to resign as minister,

following the court decision.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar